1.) Big Three Appear to be Healthy
Though Cleveland’s big three garners most of the press, Chicago’s version is nothing to be trifled with. It boasts a former MVP, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and a two-time champion. The talent level isn’t in question, but the durability most certainly is. Derrick Rose has missed all but 10 games the last two seasons, Pau Gasol has missed 55 games the last two seasons with knee, ankle, and foot injuries, and Joakim Noah underwent arthroscopic knee surgery immediately following Chicago’s first round playoff exit. The good news is that all three appear to be healthy. Rose and Gasol both participated in this summer’s FIBA World Cup, and though Rose didn’t exactly set the world on fire with his play he did look completely healthy and back to his explosive pre-injury form. Gasol looked better than he has in years, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team and showing no lingering effects from his injuries. So far so good at training camp, too.
Despite sporting a knee brace that he’ll likely wear all season, Noah is participating in drills and scrimmages and appears to be ready to go for the start of the season. He has had a history of slow starts to a season but with a full training camp under his belt Noah may be able to change that this time around.
Rose is participating fully too, and while he isn’t exerting himself too much while shaking off the rust there are no restrictions and he looks to be improving with every day back on the court. In fact, according ESPN’s Nick Friedell, head coach Tom Thibodeau says Saturday’s practice was Rose’s best of training camp. “I think for Derrick today was probably his best day thus far,” Thibodeau said. “There was a lot of 5-on-5 and stuff like that. We scrimmaged a little bit more so I think that was good for him. We played one-on-one type stuff. It was good and he’s got to get used to that again. That’s why you could run on a treadmill, you could run on a track, you can do all that stuff, but that’s not going to prepare you for what you’re going to be doing in an NBA game.” Encouraging stuff for Bulls fans.
Gasol, probably the most ready of the group, has had no problems. If these three can remain fit Chicago will have a three-headed monster that rivals any in the league.
2.) Nikola Mirotic Impresses Teammates and Coaches
Sep 29, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic is interviewed during media day at the Advocate Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Mirotic is somewhat of a mystery to most Bulls fans, but word from camp thus far has been extremely encouraging. Thibodeau is not the type to dole out praise very often, but after Wednesday’s practice it was clear Mirotic had made a positive first impression. Thibodeau told Friedell, “I thought he had a really good first day, and then after watching the film it was better than I thought.”
As I’ve mentioned before, Mirotic is more than just a spot up shooter. Rose concurs. “He’s going to surprise people by the way that he puts the ball down. Like if you fly at him he’s really able to attack the rim and avoid charges. We saw it (Tuesday) he did a couple of moves where it was supposed to be a charge but he pumped his way around the opponent and scored the ball. We already knew he could shoot, but he’s good.”
His three-point shooting gets the bulk of the attention but Mirotic is a skilled offensive player in many ways. Noah has taken notice, stating, “He adds a different dimension to the game and he’s a lot more than just a shooter. He’s a great shooter and he’s done a lot of things that are pretty surprising. You don’t think of stretch fours as guys who can block shots and run the floor and he’s a hell of a player. He’s pretty complete. I think he’s definitely one of our secret weapons.”
If training camp has been any indication Mirotic won’t be much of a secret for long.
3.) Bulls Looking to Push Tempo
It’s no secret that when healthy Derrick Rose is one of the league’s fastest players with the ball. Now he’ll have some teammates capable of running with him and filling lanes on the fast break. No more will we see Carlos Boozer plod his way down the court, trailing the play by a country mile. No more must we suffer through Rip Hamilton struggling to keep up only to pull up from 10 feet rather than attack the basket after receiving a pass. Jimmy Butler possesses the end-to-end speed and finishing ability to be a force in transition, and has a knack for cleaning up missed shots at the rim. He’s had very limited court time with Rose but the athletic duo is capable of wreaking havoc on the break. Gasol, Noah, Gibson, and Mirotic all run the floor very well for big guys, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. is dangerous as a spot up shooter on kick outs. The personnel is in place for Chicago to generate early offense and it appears Thibodeau plans to take advantage. Rose alluded as much after Saturday’s practice.
Rose on team style: "We’ve been playing kind of fast. Pau and Jo don’t care if me, Jimmy or Dun push the ball. This is a dangerous team."
— Sam Smith (@SamSmithHoops) October 5, 2014
Though the half court offense should be much improved this season getting easy buckets in transition adds a dimension to Chicago’s offense they have lacked in years past. Chicago has finished 27th in fast break points per game the past two seasons, but expect them to climb with Rose and Butler leading the charge.
4.) Noah Continues Tradition of Giving Nicknames
Dec 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls small forward Tony Snell (20) practices before the game at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
He’s not quite on Stacy King’s level yet, but Noah does have a penchant for handing out nicknames for his teammates. He has dubbed Taj Gibson “Taji Woo”, Kirk Hinrich “Kerky Werky”, and former teammate Eric Murphy “Surf and Turf”, but his latest moniker bestowment may be the best yet. Second year swingman Tony Snell is now “Snellycat”. I wouldn’t have pegged Noah as a “Friends” fan, but Noah is full of surprises. I imagine Snell’s facial expression mirrored the one above when he caught wind of his new locker room title. We’re all waiting on your pet name for Mirotic, Jo.
The Bulls open up their preseason action tonight at the United Center, looking to exact some revenge after the drubbing they took from Washington in last year’s playoffs. There are lofty expectations for this team, but plenty of questions, too. Tonight is the first step in answering them.